Is There Any Non-Functional Training? A Conceptual Review: October 2021

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Is There Any Non-functional Training? A Conceptual Review
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DOI: 10.20944/preprints202110.0426.v1
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1 Is there any Non-functional Training? A Conceptual Review

2 Bernardo N. Ide1, Amanda P. Silvatti2, Moacir Marocolo3, Clarcson P. C. Santos4, Bruno
3 V. C. Silva5, Dustin J. Oranchuk6, Gustavo R. Mota*1.
1
4 Exercise Science, Health and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Sport
5 Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG,
6 Brazil. 2 Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
3
7 Physiology and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Physiology, Federal
8 University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. 4 Research Group on Metabolic Diseases,
9 Physical Exercise and Health Technologies, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health,
10 BA, Brazil. 5 University Center of Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. 6 Sports
11 Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland,
12 New Zealand.
13 *Correspondence:
14 gustavo.mota@uftm.edu.br
15 Abstract
16 This conceptual review aimed to investigate whether "functional training" (FT) programs are
17 different from traditional strength, power, flexibility, and endurance training programs. A
18 search for the twenty most recent papers published involving FT was performed in the
19 PubMed/Medline database. Definition, concepts, benefits, and the exercises employed in FT
20 programs were analyzed. The main results were: 1) there is no agreement about a universal
21 definition for FT; 2) FT programs aim at developing the same benefits already induced by
22 traditional strength, power, flexibility, and endurance training programs; 3) exercises employed
23 are also the same. The inability to define FT makes differentiation difficult. Physical training
24 programs can be easily described and classified as strength, power, flexibility, endurance, and
25 the specific exercises employed (e.g., traditional resistance training, ballistic exercises,
26 plyometrics and Olympic-style weightlifting, continuous and high-intensity interval training).
27 This proper description and classification may improve communication in sports science and
28 improve interdisciplinary integration. Aiming to avoid confusion and misconceptions, and
29 based on the current evidence, we recommend that the terms FT, high-intensity FT, and
30 functional fitness training no longer describe any physical training program.
31 Keywords: core training, exercises, flexibility, fitness, periodization.
© 2021 by the author(s). Distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY license.

32 ORCID:
33 Bernardo N. Ide - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4057-0051
34 Amanda Piaia Silvatti - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8781-8558
35 Moacir Marocolo - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7715-2534
36 Clarcson P. C. Santos - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7598-3775
37 Bruno V. C. Silva - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4509-937X
38 Dustin J. Oranchuk - http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4489-9022
39 Gustavo R. Mota - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6109-0658
2
40 1 Introduction
41 Exercise adaptations are highly dependent on the specific training stimulus (1-3). Therefore,
42 an apt description of physical training programs is essential for planning neuromuscular,
43 cardiovascular, metabolic, and functional exercise performance and recovery enhancements.
44 Force, work, and power represent the basic mechanical concepts used in describing muscular
45 activity, function, and the classification of training stimuli/programs (4, 5).
46 Strength is defined as the force that can be developed by the muscles performing a particular
47 joint movement (e.g. elbow flexion, knee extension) (6). Work is expressed when the point of
48 application of the force moves through displacement (6), and power is the rate of performing
49 work; the derivative of work concerning time; the product of force and velocity (6). In addition,
50 muscles can maintain either a specific isometric force, or power level, involving combinations
51 of concentric and eccentric muscular actions, a functional property connoted as endurance (4).
52 Flexibility refers to the intrinsic property of body tissues determinant of range of motion
53 achievable without injury (7).
54 Strength, power, endurance and flexibility are well-defined concepts within exercise
55 prescription and muscle performance (8-10), nutritional requirements (11) and the study of
56 specific neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and metabolic adaptations (2, 9, 12). Strength and
57 power training encompass short-duration activities performed at high- or near maximal
58 intensities, increasing the capacity to perform high-force, and high-velocity efforts (1, 12).
59 Exercises employed in these programs involve traditional resistance training, ballistic
60 exercises, plyometrics and Olympic-style weightlifting (8). On the other hand, endurance
61 training encompasses exercises performed at various intensities, lasting for several minutes up
62 to hours (13), increasing the capacity to sustain repetitive high and low-intensity efforts (9),
63 encompassing the application of continuous and high-intensity interval training methods (9).
3
64 Endurance training covers exercises performed at various intensities, lasting for several
65 minutes up to hours (13), increasing the capacity to sustain repetitive high and low-intensity
66 efforts (9). Both continuous and distinct variations of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
67 can be prescribed (9, 14).
68 Otherwise, despite these well-consolidated characterizations of sports physical demand,
69 training programs designs and adaptations, a recently increasing number of articles introduce
70 apparently “new” physical training programs. Among sports scientists, it is common to hear
71 from students, coaches, and athletes: “I´m working with functional training (FT),” “I´m
72 engaged on a high-intensity FT program,” “I´m investigating the neuromuscular responses to
73 functional training.” These statements caught our attention and have been criticized properly
74 (15, 16). Recently we have raised issues regarding the concepts and definition of FT (15).
75 Unfortunately, we found inconsistencies and misconceptions on the FT definition, cited
76 references that do not support the statements, and no differences regarding benefits and training
77 methods already used in sports training (15).
78 Considering that the dissemination of inconsistent concepts and definitions can induce
79 irreparable professional conduct and poor academic background, the present conceptual review
80 aimed to investigate whether FT programs are different from traditional strength, power,
81 flexibility, and endurance training programs. We hypothesized that there is no universal
82 definition for FT, and that these programs aim at developing the same adaptations already
83 present in strength, power, flexibility, and endurance training programs. FT exercises/training
84 methods are also the same already employed in athletes' training programs.
85 2 Materials and Methods
86 To attend to the purposes of the conceptual review study, we performed a non-exhaustive
87 search for the twenty most recent papers published about FT present in PubMed/Medline
4
88 database. The search was completed in April 2021. The article's reference list was consulted
89 for additional definitions. The heterogeneity of the studies was considerable (e.g., exercise
90 protocols, fitness level of the participants, variables measured). Thus, we have decided not to
91 evaluate the studies from a statistical point of view. Instead, we performed a qualitative
92 analysis, focusing on the FT definitions, exercises employed, and benefits reported by the
93 authors. All other authors read this qualitative analysis carefully, and edits have been
94 incorporated.
95 3 Results
96 Examining the search results, we found additional FT “variations” (e.g., high-intensity FT, and
97 functional fitness), that were included in the analysis of definitions, benefits and exercises
98 employed. In addition to the articles, three textbooks were included (17-19).
99 3.1 Functional training definitions
100 Tables 1, 2 and 3 present the FT, high-intensity FT (HIFT), and functional fitness (FF)
101 definitions, respectively.
102 Please, Insert Table 1 About Here
105 3.2 Functional training adaptations
106 The adaptations/benefits proposed by each training program were extracted from the
107 definitions and additional descriptions presented in the articles. Tables 4, 5 and 6 present the
108 FT, HIFT, and FF adaptations/benefits.
5
112 Figure 1 presents a summary of the adaptations/benefits induced by FT, HIFT and FF training
113 programs.
114 Please, Insert Figure 1 About Here
115 3.3 Functional training exercises
116 The description of exercises employed in FT programs was extracted from the definitions
117 present and consulting the training protocols described in the methods section. Tables 7, 8 and
118 9 present the FT, HIFT, and FF exercises employed.
122 Figure 2 presents a summary of the exercises/training methods employed in FT, HIFT and FF
123 training programs.
124 Please, Insert Figure 2 About Here
6
125 4 Discussion
126 The objective of this study was to investigate whether FT programs are different than
127 traditional strength, power, flexibility, and endurance training programs. The main results
128 were: 1) there is no agreement about a universal definition for FT (see Table 1); 2) FT programs
129 aim at developing the same adaptations already present in traditional training programs (see
130 Tables 4, 5, 6 and Fig. 1); 3) exercises employed are also basically the same (see Tables 7, 8,
131 9 and Fig. 2). Our main finding is that the FT is not different from traditional strength, power,
132 and endurance training, therefore, corroborating our hypothesis.
133 Although muscle strength, power, flexibility, and endurance are well-defined concepts used in
134 exercise prescription (4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 20), FT problems arise in the following domains:
135 1. FT involves resistance training (21). Thus, it could be defined as resistance training.
136 2. FT is related to developing different physical capacities in an “integrated and balanced
137 manner” (22). The interference phenomenon with concurrent training presents
138 attenuated muscle strength and mass gains compared to strength and power alone (23).
139 Thus, how does FT provide different physical capacities in an “integrated and balanced
140 manner”? Additionally, the authors (22) did not provide any scientific data to support
141 “an integrated and balanced” development of different physical capacities.
142 3. Strength exercises combined with endurance exercises could be described as
143 “combined”, or “concurrent training”. Therefore, there is no need to “create” new
144 terminology (i.e., FT) containing inconsistencies (15).
145 4. FT programs aim at an increase in efficiency and safety during activities related to daily
146 living, work, and sports (22); all these benefits are already well-related to the practice
147 of traditional training programs (2, 3, 8, 11, 12, 14). Thus, it is not an exclusive or
148 differentiating characteristic of FT programs per se (15).
7
149 5. HIFT was defined as typically involving high-volume and high-intensity exercises,
150 with short rest intervals using of multiple joint exercises (24). This definition consists
151 of a basic description of a strength, power and endurance session adopted as a part of
152 the preparation of elite athletes in specific phases of periodization (20, 25, 26).
153 6. FF has defined a trend toward using strength training (22, 27). Thus, it could be easily
154 described as a strength training program.
155 7. FF was stated to be also known as HIFT (28). Thus, FF is HIFT.
156 8. The difference found between FT and HIFT programs is inconsistent. Since exercise
157 intensity is a training variable and not an exercise type, it would be expected that FT
158 and HIFT were defined as the same training program performed with different
159 intensities only. It was surprising to verify that they are considered separate entities.
160 Some of the FT problems stated above were previously highlighted (15), but we considered
161 them pertinent to highlight again.
162 Muscular fitness is composed of the functional parameters of strength, endurance, and power,
163 and each improves consequence to an appropriately designed resistance training regimen (29).
164 The definition of physical fitness implies an optimal combination of physical, physiological,
165 biochemical, biomechanical and psychological characteristics that contribute to competitive
166 success in sports (30). The physical fitness of an athlete is usually particular to a given class of
167 competition (30), and each component of physical fitness (e.g., cardiorespiratory, muscular
168 strength and endurance, body composition, flexibility, and neuromotor fitness) conceivably
169 influences some aspect of health (29). In this context, both FF definitions found (27, 28) are
170 not in agreement with the American College of Sports Medicine position stand (29), which
171 states that FF training incorporates motor skills such as balance, coordination, gait, agility, and
172 proprioceptive training, with physical activities such as tai ji (tai chi), qigong, and yoga (29).
8
173 Another inconsistency in the FF definition was the use of the expression extreme conditioning
174 program (28). If the adjective “extreme” is employed to classify these programs, what kind of
175 adjective should we use to classify the physical training programs performed by elite athletes
176 of wrestler, soccer, football, rugby, basketball, mixed martial arts, triathletes, marathonists, and
177 track and field athletes, among others? We are conscious that physical training programs
178 promoted by some fitness companies (e.g., CrossFit®, Insanity®, Gym Jones®, and P90X®)
179 were previously classified as extreme conditioning programs (24). They are defined as
180 typically involving high-volume and high-intensity exercises, with short rest intervals and
181 multiple joint exercises (24). Some include variations of the Olympic-style weightlifting and
182 high-intensity interval training, plyometrics, and ballistic exercises (24). Nevertheless, this
183 training configuration is not exclusive, as it has already been adopted as a part of training
184 programs of elite athletes in specific phases of periodization (20). Additionally, High global
185 performance cited as an objective of FF program (28) represents an extremely vague and
186 inconsistent adaptation.
187 The main confusion about all these “new” training programs (i.e., FT, HIFT and FF) is that
188 they aim at neuromuscular adaptations that could be easily defined as strength, power,
189 endurance, and flexibility programs (see Tables 4, 5 6 and Fig 1). Functional
190 movements/exercises/activities are often cited as training stimuli, but the non-functional
191 movements are not defined. To the best of our knowledge, there is also no concise definition
192 of functional movements as well. By the way, is there any non-functional movement performed
193 from skeletal muscles?
194 Regarding FT adaptations/benefits, a particular concern was placed in the study of McLaughlin
195 et al. (31), where gait, balance, and FT were considered as different training interventions. In
196 their study (31), an overview of systematic reviews examined the effect of Balance and FT on
9
197 health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older. The authors concluded that balance and FT
198 reduced the rate of falls and the number of people who fell and improved physical functioning
199 and physical activity in healthy community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older (31). This
200 separation observed of training interventions to improve gait and balance from FT reinforces
201 FT definitions' confusions, inconsistencies, and weaknesses.
202 FT, HIFT, and FF training programs present several similarities to those already used for elite
203 athletes for several decades (8, 25, 26, 29, 32). Among them were high-volume and high-
204 intensity exercises, with short rest intervals using multiple joint exercises (24) and variations
205 of the Olympic-style weightlifting, high-intensity interval training, plyometrics and ballistic
206 exercises (24). All these exercises are also employed in the physical training of professional
207 athletes and recommended for developing and maintaining the cardiorespiratory,
208 musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness of healthy adults and the elderly (8, 25, 26, 29, 32).
209 One of the definitions states that FT uses strength exercises aimed at improving core stability
210 (22). Curiously, a systematic review about the most effective exercises to stimulate the activity
211 of the core muscles (33) concluded that free weight exercises (squat and deadlift) are optimal
212 to achieve this goal and that performing floor exercises, adding balls/devices appears to be
213 unnecessary and not recommended (33). The systematic review results (33) reinforce that if
214 one of the objectives of FT is to improve core stability, traditional strength and power exercises
215 are the most efficient.
216 Curiously, one paper provides an equivocal separation of traditional resistance training and FT
217 (34). Traditional resistance training was considered as a conservative training method that uses
218 resistance machines with gradual, progressive load increases (34), and FT as combining multi-
219 planar, coordinated and multi-articular movements, organized according to movement patterns
220 such as squat, pushing, pulling and transporting in blocks that stimulate power, speed, stability
10
221 or maximum strength. Considering that all these exercises are often employed in athletes'
222 strength and power training, there is no rationality in separating traditional from FT.
223 Indeed, the term FT originated in sports medicine and, more specifically, in rehabilitation
224 clinics (35). Early definitions focused on rehabilitation to enhance or develop the skills
225 associated with activities of daily living and, frequently, involving older adults (35). In this
226 context, the desired outcome is to restore (or rehabilitate) neuromuscular function. Guidelines
227 and arguments for implementing FT for back pain prevention are essentially the same for back
228 pain rehabilitation (16). This is because the “functional” status of rehabilitation exercises is
229 related to the activities and functions of the body and contextual factors such as environmental
230 and personal factors (36). Although, strength and conditioning professionals are constantly
231 working to improve a specific neuromuscular function. Therefore, the term FT becomes
232 redundant and confused (15).
233 Fleck and Kraemer (17) proposed that the general definition of FT is the training that is meant
234 to increase performance in some type of functional tasks, such as activities of daily living or
235 tests related to athletic performance (17). Thus, FT could refer to virtually any training meant
236 to increase motor performance (17). Considering that in exercise physiology, muscle strength,
237 power, flexibility, and endurance are often regarded as functional aspects of the neuromuscular
238 system, this general definition (17) appears to be the most rational.
239 5 Conclusions
240 The current data show that FT programs are not different from those traditional training
241 programs already used in sports training, and there is no consistent universal definition for FT.
242 Also, the claimed FT’s adaptations are the same biological adaptations induced by traditional
243 training programs (e.g., strength, endurance), as well as the “functional movements” are
244 already employed in the physical training plan of professional, recreational athletes, healthy
11
245 adults, and the elderly. In other words: There is no "non-functional" training. Therefore, there
246 is no rationale in classifying exercise training programs as FT. Insisting in the use of this term
247 (i.e., FT) it is a classic case of needlessly reinventing the wheel (15).
248 6 Future Recommendations
249 Based on the current results, we recommend that the terms functional training, high-intensity
250 functional training, and functional fitness no longer describe any physical training program.
251 These can be easily classified as strength, power, endurance, flexibility, and described
252 according to the specific exercises employed (e.g., traditional resistance training, ballistic
253 exercises, continuous and high-intensity interval training), improving communication and
254 interdisciplinary integration.
255 Sports activities may be broadly classified into events that require great expressions of strength
256 and power (e.g., Olympic-style weightlifting, powerlifting, and throwing events in track and
257 field) and those tremendous demanding endurance (e.g., marathon run and triathlon) (1). In
258 addition, many activities like middle-distance sprint running and team and combat sports,
259 which are characterized by intermittent efforts, require combinations of high levels of strength
260 and power, combined with a well-developed aerobic capacity for peak performance (1).Table
261 10 summarizes the skeletal muscle functional proprieties definition and exercises/training
262 methods used for their development.
264 In addition to physical training, literature presents several adaptations and health benefits of
265 endurance and strength and power training that may also be used in the proper classification of
266 training stimulus (2). Our intention with this article was not to disqualify the studies, physical
267 training programs, and the practice of the physical activities, but to provide the correct
12
268 definitions of terms and concepts to allow proper communication between students, coaches,
269 athletes, and sports scientists.
270 7 Conflict of Interest
271 The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or
272 financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
273 8 Author Contributions
274 BNI conceived the idea, performed the initial data collection, wrote the first draft, worked on
275 all drafts, and formatted the manuscript for submission. APS, MM, CPCS, BVC, DJO, and
276 GRM helped develop the main idea and draft the paper. All authors read and approved the last
277 version of the manuscript.
278 9 Funding
279 No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this article.
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401 39. Gali JC, Fadel GW, Marques MF, Almeida TA, Gali JC, Faria FAS. The New Injuries'
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403 brasileira (2021) 29(1):21-5. Epub 2021/04/03. doi: 10.1590/1413-785220212901240903.
405 40. Farrokhian S, Alamdarloo GH, Asadmanesh E. The effectiveness of functional training
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409 41. Cheng TTJ, Mansor A, Lim YZ, Hossain Parash MT. Injury Incidence, Patterns, and
410 Risk Factors in Functional Training Athletes in an Asian Population. Orthop J Sports Med
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413 42. Peterson JA. Ten Nice-to-Know Facts About Functional Training. ACSM'S Health &
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415 00135124-201705000-00015.
416 43. Aragao-Santos JC, de Resende-Neto AG, Da Silva-Grigoletto ME. Different types of
417 functional training on the functionality and quality of life in postmenopausal women: a
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419 2020/10/31. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10995-2. PubMed PMID: 33124792.
420 44. Feito Y, Heinrich KM, Butcher SJ, Poston WSC. High-Intensity Functional Training
421 (HIFT): Definition and Research Implications for Improved Fitness. Sports (Basel) (2018)
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423 Central PMCID: PMCPMC6162410.
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430 Antoniolli AR, et al. Acute leucocyte, muscle damage, and stress marker responses to high-
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445 020-08638-8. PubMed PMID: 33386577.
446
447
17
448 11 Figure Legends
449 Figure 1. Summary of adaptations/benefits induced by FT, HIFT and FF training programs.
450 *Other adaptations cited are neuromuscular control, joint mobility and stability, central
451 stability, trunk alignment and lower limb joint; conditional and coordinative capacities; ability
452 to perform the ADL at home, work, or play without undue risk of injury or fatigue; jump ability;
453 gait speed and quality of life.
454 Figure 2. Summary of the exercises/training methods employed in FT, HIFT and FF training
455 programs.
18
456 12 Tables
457 Table 1. FT definitions.
Reference Functional Training Definition
Lajoso-Silva et FT utilizes multi-articular movements to improve balance, increase muscular power and strength, and enhance conditional and
al. (38) coordinative capacities.
FT combines neuromuscular control, joint mobility and stability, central stability, trunk alignment and lower limb joint. Unlike
Gali, J. C. et al.
traditional muscle strengthening programs, several joints and muscles are exercised in the three planes of movement during FT,
(39)
simultaneously challenging the brain and the body.
McLaughlin, E.
Functional training uses functional activities as the training stimulus and is based on the theoretical concept of task specificity.
C. et al. (31)
FT is a set of sports activities that are based on daily routine activities such as walking, climbing up stairs and going down,
Farrokhzad, S. et
getting up and sitting down and move light things. FT was focused improving physical fitness such as endurance, strength,
al. (40)
flexibility, and balance.
Da Silva- FT involves resistance training and associated techniques to develop strength, as well as balance, motor coordination, power, and
Grigoletto, M. E. muscle endurance, increasing the ability of individuals to execute ADL, whether they be simpler tasks of daily living or more
et al. (21) complex athletic maneuvers.
Cheng, T. T. J. et A form of training that uses modular movements that involve the recruitment of multiple muscle groups, FT is the only program
al. (41) that combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning in one continuous session.
Peterson, James FT is designed to enhance the ability of exercisers to meet the demands of performing a wide range of ADL at home, work, or
A. (42) play without undue risk of injury or fatigue.
Aragão-Santos, FT is a multicomponent training method, which stimulates different physical capacities in the same session. This training method
J. C. et al. (43) can be carried out with an emphasis on traditional exercises such as squats to improve the strength of lower limbs (element-based
19
functional training) or using exercises more like daily activities such as carrying actions or sit and get up from the floor (task-
specific-based functional training).
The development of different physical capacities in an integrated and balanced manner to provide autonomy, efficiency and
La Scala
safety during activities related to ADLs, work and/or sports. For this purpose, FT uses strength exercises generally characterized
Teixeira, C. V. et
by integrated, multi-joint/multi-segment, asymmetrical, multi-planes, acyclic, intermittent, speedy, and unstable movements that
al. (22)
emphasize core stability.
Fleck and The training that is meant to increase performance in some type of functional task, such as activities of daily living or tests
Kraemer (17) related to athletic performance. FT could refer to virtually any type of training meant to increase motor performance.
Functional training on the other hand uses many concepts developed by sport coaches to train speed, strength, and power to
Boyle (19)
improve sport performance and reduce incidence of injury.
Functional training can therefore be described as purposeful training. In fact, functional training is more accurately represented
as “sports-general” training. Functional training is a system that encourages the training of balance and the balancing of training.
Boyle (18)
It is characterized by actions such as squatting and lunging or pushing and pulling. Functional training is best described as a
continuum of exercises that teach athletes to handle their own body weight in all planes of movement.
458 ADLs: activities of daily living; FT: functional training; HIIT: high-intensity interval training.
20
459 Table 2. HIFT definitions.
Reference HIFT Definition
A training style [or program] that incorporates a variety of functional movements, performed at high intensity [relative to an
Feito et al.
individual’s ability], and designed to improve parameters of general physical fitness (e.g., cardiovascular endurance, strength,
(44)
body composition, flexibility, etc.) and performance (e.g., agility, speed, power, strength, etc.).
HIFT is a modality characterized by presenting high volumes and training intensities with constantly varied exercises with or
Teixeira, R. without any recovery interval between the series. HIFT training sessions consist of Olympic weightlifting exercises (e.g., clean
V. et al. and jerk, snatch), gymnastics (e.g., lunges and pull-ups) and metabolic conditioning (e.g., running and rowing). In addition to
(45) the diversity of functional movements performed in high intensity, HIFT aims to improve physical conditioning variables (i.e.,
strength, body composition, among others) and performance (i.e., speed, power, among others).
Exercise regimen characterized by high intensity, constant variation, and functional movement is often performed in rapid,
Gomes, J.
successive repetition with limited or no recovery time. HIFT is based on the concept of increased work capacity over time while
H. et al.
using a variety of exercise modalities, including mono-structural (e.g., running, rowing, etc.), as well as body weight
(46)
movements (e.g., squats, push-ups, etc.) and weightlifting derivatives (e.g., snatch, shoulder press, deadlift, etc.).
HIFT incorporates many of the same principles as HIIT, including the relatively high work-to-rest intervals. However, HIFT
Browne, J.
training goes further and weaves multimodal resistance training with cardiovascular exercises. HIFT consists of a variable series
D. et al.
of these functional whole-body exercises with little rest, while HIIT consists of unimodal, single-plane movements with distinct
(47)
periods of low-intensity activity or rest.
HIFT is a form of physical activity that can be modified to any fitness level and elicits greater muscle recruitment than
Ben-Zeev,
repetitive aerobic exercises, thereby improving cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. HIFT emphasizes functional,
T. et al. (48)
multi-joint movements via HIIT and muscle-strengthening exercises.
460 ADLs: activities of daily living; HIFT: high-intensity functional training; HIIT: high-intensity interval training.
21
461 Table 3. Functional fitness definitions.
Reference Functional Fitness definition
Thompson A trend toward using strength training to improve balance, coordination, muscular strength, and endurance to improve activities
(27, 28) of daily living typically for older adults and in clinical populations.
A relatively new form of exercise (also known as HIFT; extreme conditioning programs) that is currently being marketed to a
Tibana et wide range of active (athletes, military) and inactive populations. The competitive functional fitness (e.g., CrossFit®) often
al. (28) consists of a variety of training methods, such as weightlifting/powerlifting, repeated gym bodyweight exercises, cardiovascular
exercises, sprints, and flexibility mixed to achieve a high global performance.
Peterson,
Functional fitness is a by-product of the synergistic integration of the various components of fitness (physical and
James A.
neuromuscular) and the muscle groups and joints involved in a movement activity or training effort.
(42)
462 ADLs: activities of daily living; HIFT: high-intensity functional training; HIIT: high-intensity interval training.
463
22
464 Table 4. Adaptations/benefits provided by FT programs.
Reference FT adaptations/benefits
Lajoso-Silva et al.
Strength Power Balance Conditional and coordinative capacities
(38)
Gali, J. C. et al.
Neuromuscular control, joint mobility and stability, central stability, trunk alignment and lower limb joint
(39)
Farrokhian, S. et al.
Strength Balance Endurance Flexibility
(40)
Da Silva-
Grigoletto, M. E. et Strength Power Balance Endurance Coordination
al. (21)
Cheng, T. T. J. et
Strength Power Balance Endurance Coordination
al. (41)
Peterson, James A.
Ability of performing the ADL at home, work, or play without undue risk of injury or fatigue.
(42)
Aragão-Santos, J.
Strength Jump ability Gait speed Quality of life
C. et al. (43)
La Scala Teixeira,
Strength Power Balance Coordination Endurance Speed Agility Flexibility
C. V. et al. (22)
465
466
23
467 Table 5. Adaptations/benefits provided by HIFT programs.
Reference HIFT adaptations/benefits
Body
Feito et al. (44) Strength Power Flexibility Speed Agility Endurance
composition
Teixeira, R. V. et
Strength Power Speed Body composition
al. (45)
Gomes, J. H. et al. Body

Strength Power Flexibility Speed Agility Endurance
(46) composition
Ben-Zeev, T. et Body
Strength Power Flexibility Speed Agility Endurance
al. (49) composition
468
469 Table 6. Adaptations/benefits provided by functional fitness training programs.
Reference Functional fitness adaptations/benefits
Thompson (27) Strength Power Balance Coordination Endurance
Tibana et al. (28) High global performance
470
471
24
472 Table 7. Exercises and employed in FT programs.
Reference Exercises employed in FT programs
Lajoso-Silva et al. (38) Multi-articular movements
Olympic Strength
Gali, J. C. et al. (39) Plyometrics Endurance training
weightlifting exercises
McLaughlin, E. C. et al.
Functional activities
(31)
Getting up and sitting

Daily routine Climbing up stairs
Farrokhian, S. et al. (40) Walking down and move light
activities and going down
things
Da Silva-Grigoletto, M. E.
Resistance training and associated techniques
et al. (21)
Olympic
Cheng, T. T. J. et al. (41) Gymnastics Modular movements
weightlifting
Aragão-Santos, J. C. et al.
Squats Daily routine activities
(43)
La Scala Teixeira, C. V. et
Strength exercises
al. (22)
473
474
25
475 Table 8. Exercises employed in high-intensity functional training programs.
Reference HIFT Exercises/training methods employed
Feito et al. (44) Functional movements
Teixeira, R. V. Functional Olympic Constantly varied

Running Rowing Gymnastics
et al. (45) movements weightlifting exercises
Gomes, J. H. et Functional Olympic Body weight

Running Rowing Squats Push-ups
al. (46) movements weightlifting movements
Browne, J. D. Functional
Cardiovascular exercises Resistance training
et al. (47) movements
Ben-Zeev, T.
Functional movements Strength exercises
et al. (49)
476
477 Table 9. Exercises employed in functional fitness training programs.
Reference Functional fitness exercises/training methods employed
Thompson (27) Strength training
Tibana et al. Olympic Cardiovascular

Gymnastics Sprints
(28) weightlifting exercises
478
479
26
480 Table 10. Skeletal muscle adaptations and exercises/training methods.
Exercises/training methods used

Definition
in the training programs
The force or torque can be developed by  Traditional resistance
the muscles performing a particular joint training.
Strength
movement (e.g., elbow flexion, knee  Ballistic exercises.
extension) (6).  Plyometrics.
The rate of performing work; the  Olympic-style
Power derivative of work concerning time; the weightlifting.
product of force and velocity (6).  Sprints and resisted sprints.
 Low- and moderate-
The ability to maintain either a specific
intensity continuous
isometric force, or a specific power level,
Endurance exercise.
involving combinations of concentric and
 Interval training variations
eccentric muscular actions (4).
(e.g., HIIT, RST, and SIT).
 Static, dynamic/ballistic
The intrinsic property of body tissues stretching.
Flexibility determines the range of motion  Proprioceptive
achievable without injury (7). neuromuscular facilitation
stretching.
481 HIIT: High-intensity interval training; RST: repeated sprints training; SIT: sprint interval training.
27
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Is There Any Non-functional Training? A Conceptual Review

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Bernardo N. Ide Moacir Marocolo

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Clarcson Santos Bruno Da Silva

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1 Is there any Non-functional Training? A Conceptual Review

31 Keywords: core training, exercises, flexibility, fitness, periodization.

© 2021 by the author(s). Distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY license.

33 Bernardo N. Ide - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4057-0051

34 Amanda Piaia Silvatti - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8781-8558

35 Moacir Marocolo - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7715-2534

36 Clarcson P. C. Santos - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7598-3775

37 Bruno V. C. Silva - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4509-937X

38 Dustin J. Oranchuk - http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4489-9022

39 Gustavo R. Mota - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6109-0658

42 an apt description of physical training programs is essential for planning neuromuscular,

43 cardiovascular, metabolic, and functional exercise performance and recovery enhancements.

45 activity, function, and the classification of training stimuli/programs (4, 5).

53 achievable without injury (7).

57 power training encompass short-duration activities performed at high- or near maximal

59 Exercises employed in these programs involve traditional resistance training, ballistic

67 can be prescribed (9, 14).

68 Otherwise, despite these well-consolidated characterizations of sports physical demand,

72 engaged on a high-intensity FT program,” “I´m investigating the neuromuscular responses to

75 Unfortunately, we found inconsistencies and misconceptions on the FT definition, cited

77 methods already used in sports training (15).

81 flexibility, and endurance training programs. We hypothesized that there is no universal

83 present in strength, power, flexibility, and endurance training programs. FT exercises/training

85 2 Materials and Methods

86 To attend to the purposes of the conceptual review study, we performed a non-exhaustive

98 employed. In addition to the articles, three textbooks were included (17-19).

99 3.1 Functional training definitions

101 definitions, respectively.

102 Please, Insert Table 1 About Here

103 Please, Insert Table 2 About Here

104 Please, Insert Table 3 About Here

105 3.2 Functional training adaptations

108 FT, HIFT, and FF adaptations/benefits.

109 Please, Insert Table 4 About Here

110 Please, Insert Table 5 About Here

111 Please, Insert Table 6 About Here

114 Please, Insert Figure 1 About Here

115 3.3 Functional training exercises

118 9 present the FT, HIFT, and FF exercises employed.

119 Please, Insert Table 7 About Here

120 Please, Insert Table 8 About Here

121 Please, Insert Table 9 About Here

123 training programs.

124 Please, Insert Figure 2 About Here

132 and endurance training, therefore, corroborating our hypothesis.

136 2. FT is related to developing different physical capacities in an “integrated and balanced

141 “an integrated and balanced” development of different physical capacities.

142 3. Strength exercises combined with endurance exercises could be described as

143 “combined”, or “concurrent training”. Therefore, there is no need to “create” new

144 terminology (i.e., FT) containing inconsistencies (15).

148 differentiating characteristic of FT programs per se (15).

154 described as a strength training program.

155 7. FF was stated to be also known as HIFT (28). Thus, FF is HIFT.

161 them pertinent to highlight again.